Egyptian Pregnant Women Research Articles

Prevalence and determinants of fear of childbirth among pregnant women in Egypt: A cross-sectional study

ProblemFear of childbirth (FOC) is a significant public health concern, and understanding its determinants is crucial for developing effective interventions to support women during pregnancy and childbirth. BackgroundFear of childbirth (FOC) is increasingly recognized as an essential psychological health concern among pregnant women globally. However, research elucidating the prevalence and multifaceted determinants of FOC in the Egyptian context remains scarce. This knowledge is pivotal to informing maternal health practices. AimThis study aimed to investigate FOC prevalence and its determinants among pregnant women in Egypt. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 460 low-risk pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt, from February 2023 to July 2023. Data were collected using structured questionnaires on sociodemographic and obstetric profiles, the Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire, the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. ResultsThe prevalence of FOC ranged from mild to severe, with 70.4% of women displaying some degree of fear and 11.3% exhibiting severe FOC. Key determinants associated with greater FOC were younger age, nulliparity, unplanned pregnancy, negative previous birth experiences, and preference for cesarean delivery. An inverse relationship was found between FOC and childbirth self-efficacy. ConclusionsThis study reveals a high FOC prevalence among Egyptian pregnant women, necessitating the need for systematic screening and tailored interventions to mitigate this concern, especially among high-risk groups like young, nulliparous mothers. Fostering childbirth self-efficacy may aid in reducing FOC. These findings can inform the enhancement of holistic maternal health practices in Egypt.

Estimating level of serum PLGF and sFLT-1 in Egyptian pregnant women with and without preeclampsia

Estimating level of serum PLGF and sFLT-1 in Egyptian pregnant women with and without preeclampsia

Nutrition and diet myths, knowledge and practice during pregnancy and lactation among a sample of Egyptian pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundGlobally, the burden of maternal malnutrition remains an enormous public health problem; malnourished pregnant women are at increased risk of having low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. Several reports suggest a possible association between malnutrition among lactating mothers and the production of smaller quantities of breast milk. Many women have incorrect nutrition knowledge during pregnancy due to false beliefs derived from popular practices. Our study was conducted to assess nutritional knowledge, myths, and practices among Egyptian women during pregnancy and lactation.MethodologyA pretested 2-page interview questionnaire was used to collect data from the study participants after written informed consent was obtained from them after clarification of the study’s aim. Obstetrics and gynecology experts collected the data from pregnant females who agreed to participate in private and university hospital antenatal care clinics in Cairo, Egypt.ResultsA total of 468 pregnant females completed the interview questionnaire. The mean knowledge score was 5 ± 3, with a median score of 5 and an IQR of 3–7, and the mean holding myths score was 3 ± 2, with a median score of 2 and an IQR of 2–4. Regarding the correct answers to the knowledge questions, more than 70% of the participants correctly answered that during the first six months of life, breast milk is the only food a baby requires, and less than 20% of them correctly answered that caffeine consumption could provoke premature birth. Regarding the holding myths questions, more than half of the participants held the myth that drinking moghat and helba increases the breast milk supply. We found that the most common source of knowledge during pregnancy and lactation among the participants was family and friends’ advice (60%), followed by others (doctors, previous education in school or university) (45%).ConclusionAmong a sample of Egyptian women, more than half held at least one myth about nutrition and diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so health education at antenatal outpatient clinics should be directed toward those myths to correct them. Older women with sufficient family income showed significantly higher knowledge scores than others.

Acceptability of hepatitis C screening and treatment during pregnancy in pregnant women in Egypt, Pakistan, and Ukraine: A cross-sectional survey.

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in women of childbearing age is a major public health concern with ∼15 million women aged 15-49 years living with HCV globally in 2019. Evidence suggests HCV in pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. This includes ∼6% risk of infants acquiring HCV vertically, and this is the leading cause of HCV in children globally. However, few countries offer routine universal antenatal HCV screening, and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are not approved for pregnant or breastfeeding women although small clinical trials are ongoing. We conducted a survey of pregnant and postpartum women in 3 high HCV burden lower-middle-income countries to assess the acceptability of universal antenatal HCV screening and DAA treatment in the scenario that DAAs are approved for use in pregnancy. Pregnant and postpartum women attending antenatal clinics in Egypt, Pakistan, and Ukraine were invited to complete a survey and provide demographic and clinical data on their HCV status. Among the 630 women included (n=210 per country), 73% were pregnant and 27% postpartum, 27% were ever HCV antibody or PCR positive. Overall, 586 (93%) reported acceptability of universal antenatal HCV screening and 544 (88%) would take DAAs in pregnancy (92%, 98%, and 73% in Egypt, Pakistan, and Ukraine, respectively). Most said they would take DAAs in pregnancy to prevent vertical acquisition and other risks for the baby, and a smaller proportion would take DAAs for maternal cure. Our findings suggest that should DAAs be approved for use in pregnancy, the uptake of both HCV screening and DAA treatment may be high in women living in lower-middle-income countries.

Antepartum depression: The prevalence, associated factors and perinatal outcomes: A cross-sectional study

Objective: The current study aimed to track the prevalence of APD, its associated factors and perinatal outcomes among Egyptian pregnant women.
 Methodology: The current work included 122 pregnant women, with singleton normal pregnancy. They were evaluated for antepartum depression and perceived stress. In addition, demographics and obstetric data were collected and documented. The psychiatric status was assessed in the third trimester (preferably at 35 to 37 week of gestation). Then, the feto-maternal outcome was recorded. The primary outcome was the prevalence of APD and perceived stress. Neonatal outcome was document especially preterm birth and neonatal weight.
 Results: APD was recognized among 28 women (23.0%). The APD was significantly associated with employment (82.1% and 57.4%, in those with and without APD respectively). The unplanned pregnancy was significantly increase in women with than those without APD (35.7% vs 9.6%). Maternal obesity, low birth weight and preterm delivery were associated with APD. Finally, the perceived stress score was significantly higher among women with APD than those without APD (18.92±7.30 vs 14.75±9.07).
 Conclusion: APD was reported in nearly one of four women and significantly associated with maternal obesity, unplanned pregnancy and employment. In addition, preterm birth and low birth weight significantly increased with APD.

Effect of obligatory Hepatitis B vaccination program on the prevalence of occult hepatitis B among pregnant women in Egypt: A cross sectional study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem. HBV is of intermediate endemicity in Egypt. “Occult” HBV (OBI) indicates replication of HBV-DNA in the liver of individuals with negative serum HBsAg. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OBI among pregnant women in Egypt and to compare this prevalence among HBV vaccinated and unvaccinated women (received obligatory vaccination). This cross-section study included 474 pregnant women in the third trimester divided in two groups. Group I: (n=247) assumed received obligatory hepatitis B vaccination and group II: (n=227), did not receive HBV vaccination. Study participants were screened for HBsAg, anti HBs, anti HBc total, anti HBc IgM, HBeAg, anti HBe, HCV Ab, and HIV Ab by immunoassays and HBV-DNA by Real-Time PCR. Anti HBs was detected in 65 (13.7%) of pregnant women, 36 (14.6%) in the vaccinated group and 29 (12.8%) in the unvaccinated group. The anti HBs levels were significantly higher in the unvaccinated group. HBc Ab showed positive results in 6 cases (2.4%) in the vaccinated group, and 14 cases (6.2%) in unvaccinated group. HBcAb and/or HBsAb were detected in 72 (15.1%) of pregnant women, 39 (15.8%) in the vaccinated group and 33 (14.5%) in the unvaccinated group. HBV-DNA was detected only in one vaccinated pregnant woman. HB vaccination program in Egypt, since 1992 affected the frequency of OBI in pregnant women (p=0.04). In conclusion, HBV infection may persist lifelong in the hepatocytes even when viral functions are suppressed, HBsAb and anti-HBc-positive individuals are present. The levels of HBsAb were higher in unvaccinated pregnant women compared to vaccinated pregnant women. HBV infection in OBI pregnant women may not transmit to the new-born.

Current status of TORCH infection Seroprevalence in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study in Al Sharqia Governorate, Egypt

BackgroundTORCH infections during pregnancy significantly impact neonatal and maternal mortality rates worldwide. This study aimed to gather baseline serological data for pregnant women's immunological status to infection and determine if definite TORCH pathogens (cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, and Herpes simplex virus) were associated with Toxoplasma infection, to improve prenatal care and provide appropriate infection control strategies.MethodologyBlood samples were gathered from 210 pregnant women attending Al Zagazig University hospitals from February to May 2023. Samples were examined for specific IgM and IgG antibodies against TORCH pathogens by electrochemiluminescence technique.ResultsRegarding TORCH infection, 60 (28.6%) cases were seronegative, while 77 (36.7%), 63 (30.0%), 56 (26.7%), and 15 (7.1%) were positive IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, and Herpes simplex virus, respectively. There was no estimate for IgM for cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, or Herpes simplex virus, indicating that no primary infection had been detected during the pregnancy. There was a statistically significant association between seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis infections (IgM and IgG) and age group ≤ 25 years, which is the most common childbearing age group. Cytomegalovirus seropositivity was found in those beyond 25 years (P-value 0.001). Antibodies to mono-infections were found in 97/210 (46.2%) subjects. It is substantially higher under-25 years age group, 71/97 (73.2%), P-value of 0.001. 45/210 (21.4%) participants had antibodies to two agents, with no significant difference in the age group over 25 years, 26/45 (57.8%). Antibodies to three agents were assessed in eight instances, all under 25 years.ConclusionsAccording to our findings, serological evaluation for the TORCH complex in all pregnant women is recommended to determine infection immunity, current immunization regimens, and infection reactivation. Low TORCH antibodies rates amongst pregnant women in Egypt's Sharqia governorate might be an appropriate starting point for prenatal screening initiatives.

Ultrasonic evaluation of transverse cerebellar diameter and vermian anteroposterior diameter in detecting fetal age among pregnant Egyptian women

Abstract Background Accurate dating of pregnancy is critically important for pregnancy follow-up from the first trimester to delivery and is particularly necessary for determining viability in premature and postdate deliveries. Aim The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) and vermian anteroposterior diameter as ultrasonographic parameters for the prediction of fetal age. Patients and methods Five hundred and twenty normal pregnant women were examined for the TCD depending on the fetal age of their fetuses from 14 to 38 weeks. Four hundred and sixty normal pregnant women out of the previous were examined for vermian anteroposterior diameter from 18 to 38 weeks. The data analyzed by SPSS were used to calculate mean±SD for quantitative variables. Percentiles 5th, 50th and 95th, Pearson correlation and polynomial regression were also used. Results The mean TCD increased from 13.63 mm at 14th week to 53.68 mm at 38th week of gestation. There was high degree of correlation between TCD and fetal age. The mean vermian anteroposterior diameter increased from 8.78 mm at 18th week to 26.68 mm at 38th week of gestation. There was a linear correlation between vermian anteroposterior diameter and fetal age. There was linear correlation between TCD and vermian anteroposterior diameter. Conclusion It could be concluded that the TCD and vermian anteroposterior diameter are reliable parameters for the determination of fetal age in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin and dehydroepiandrosterone levels and cervical length of Egyptian women with a history of recurrent miscarriages, polycystic ovary syndrome and without the conditions at three stages of pregnancy

Total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels, and cervical length (CL) were investigated in pregnant Egyptian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, n = 38), history of miscarriages (RM, n = 40) and without the conditions (HC, n = 40). At week 8, the RM had lower levels of TT (p = 0.000) and free androgen index (FAI) (p = 0.000) and higher SHBG (p = 0.000) and DHEA (p < 0.05) than the PCOS. Compared with the HC, they had elevated SHBG (p < 0.05) and DHEA (p = 0.001) and reduced CL (p = 0.000). TT (p = 0.001) and FAI (p = 0.000) were higher and SHBG (p = 0.000) and CL (p = 0.001) lower in the PCOS than in the HC group. At week 16, TT (p = 0.000) and FAI (p = 0.000) were higher, and SHBG (p = 0.000) and CL (p < 0.05) lower in PCOS than in RM and HC. The PCOS had elevated FAI than the RM (p = 0.000) and HC (p = 0.001) at week 20. The DHEA, SHBG and CL abnormalities in PCOS and RM may compromise pregnancy outcomes. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Hyperandrogenaemia, low sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), shortened cervical length (CL) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are the most cited risk factors for recurrent miscarriages (RM). However, the published data are inconsistent, perhaps because of the confounding effects of ethnicity and nutritional milieu. What do the results of this study add? The study’s findings comprising ethnically and socially homogenous women demonstrate that PCOS and RM are characterised by elevated dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and shortened CL, and PCOS by reduced SHBG. These abnormalities would be expected to have an adverse impact on pregnancy outcomes. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Twenty-weeks DHEA and CL values have the potential to predict outcome risk in women with a history of RM and PCOS. Further research on other population groups is required to validate the current study’s findings.

Sonographic Identification and Measurement of the Epiphyseal Ossification Centers in the Prediction of Fetal Lung Maturity in Pregnant Egyptian Women

Sonographic Identification and Measurement of the Epiphyseal Ossification Centers in the Prediction of Fetal Lung Maturity in Pregnant Egyptian Women

Psychological burden of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among Egyptian pregnant women

Background and aim Pregnant women are more prone to psychological distress, which can have a deleterious effect on the mother and the fetus. coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a new and dangerous event with limited data available that may adversely affect the mental health of pregnant women. So, the aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women, pregnant women’s perceptions toward COVID-19 epidemiology, and antenatal care service utilization during the pandemic. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in the interval from February 2021 to September 2021 and included 340 Egyptian pregnant women with singleton pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. A structured self-administered online questionnaire was completed by the participants. The validated 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 was used. Results The study revealed a high prevalence of stress (61.5%), anxiety (73%), and depression (68.5%) among pregnant women. Chronic diseases, irregular antenatal care, and previous COVID-19 infection of family members were all significant predictors of anxiety and depression. In contrast, prior infection of the pregnant women with COVID-19 in the current pregnancy was a significant predictor for stress, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among Egyptian pregnant women during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychosocial support is required, in addition to raising pregnant women’s awareness regarding COVID-19 infection.

Impact of Supportive Information-Based Guidelines in Gaining the Recommended Gestational Weight among Low-risk Women: A Quasi-Experiment

Better adherence to dietary guidelines during pregnancy is supposed to result in healthier perinatal outcomes. We aimed to examine the impact of supportive information-based guidelines in gaining the recommended gestational weight among low-risk pregnant women in Egypt. The main objectives were to; 1) modify pregnant women's lifestyle behavior to achieve optimal weight gain in pregnancy, 2) add evidence to the utilization of the ACOG &amp; WHO dietary pregnancy guidelines in the antenatal care, and 3) establish clear antenatal routine care strategy for gaining an optimal gestational weight among low-risk pregnant women. The analysis included 60 first trimester primiparous pregnant women with normal pre-pregnancy weight with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2. The total sample was divided into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received an educational session; the content mainly included supportive information based on WHO dietary pregnancy guidelines and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, followed by text messages twice a week during the second and third trimesters antenatal follow-up of gestational weight. At the same time, women in the control group received standard outpatient antenatal follow-up. This study’s findings shed light on gained gestational weight in the second and third trimesters, with observable differences between both groups related to the second-trimester weight gain. Our study adds to the existing body of knowledge and fills an important gap by investigating the implementation of international guidelines in Egypt's maternal health care practice. In addition, we innovatively used a simple and cost-effective method, namely supportive information, to enhance weight gain management during pregnancy. Further studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of adopting the guidelines as a part of antenatal follow-up.

Coronavirus Infection during Pregnancy: A 1-Year Experience among Pregnant Egyptian Women

Coronavirus Infection during Pregnancy: A 1-Year Experience among Pregnant Egyptian Women

Accuracy of Fetal Transcerebellar diameter in evaluation of Fetal gestational age in Egyptian pregnant women

Accuracy of Fetal Transcerebellar diameter in evaluation of Fetal gestational age in Egyptian pregnant women

Exclusive and Dual Cigarette and Hookah Smoking Is Associated with Adverse Perinatal Outcomes among Pregnant Women in Cairo, Egypt.

This study assessed the prevalence of prenatal smoking, factors associated with prenatal smoking, and its association with birth outcomes in a sample of pregnant women in Egypt. Pregnant women were recruited during their last trimester from antenatal clinics in Cairo from June 2015 to May 2016. Participants completed an interviewer-administered survey that assessed tobacco use and attitudes, and exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) was measured. Gestational age at delivery and offspring birth weight were collected via a postnatal phone interview. Two hundred pregnant women ages 16–37 years participated. More than a quarter (29.0%) of women reported smoking (cigarettes, hookah, or both) during their current pregnancy, and hookah was more popular than cigarettes. Most women who smoked prior to their current pregnancy either maintained their current smoking habits (46.6%) or switched from dual to hookah-only smoking (46.6%). Current smokers during pregnancy had a higher mean (±SD) exhaled CO level (2.97 ± 1.45 vs. 0.25 ± 0.60 ppm, p < 0.001) and had babies with a lower mean birth weight (2583 ± 300 vs. 2991 ± 478 g, p < 0.001) than non-smokers. Smokers during pregnancy had greater odds of premature birth and/or low birth weight babies compared to non-smokers. Dual cigarette-hookah smokers had the highest risk. Additional focused programs are required to prevent women of childbearing age from initiating tobacco use and empower women to stop tobacco use during the preconception and gestational periods.

Egyptian pregnant women's health information needs and behaviour: A qualitative study

The primary goal of this research is to examine Egyptian pregnant women's health information needs and behaviour in terms of their thoughts, perceptions, attitudes, motives, interests, techniques, preferences, tools, and other factors that influence their use of health information. Six focus groups with an effective size of 64 women were used in a qualitative approach. Approximately two-thirds of the Egyptian pregnant women sampled in this study were between the ages of 26 and 35, had a Bachelor's degree (BA), and were classified as upper-middle income. Approximately two-thirds of the pregnant Egyptian women sampled were able to precisely identify these needs and use appropriate means to meet them. Many of them preferred to communicate with their families, relatives, peers, and friends, particularly those who are currently pregnant or have recently delivered, via cell phones or inperson meetings. Verbal communication with mothers and relatives, friends, as well as gynaecologists and healthcare providers have been identified as the most commonly used communication channels. Pregnant Egyptian women surveyed used health information sources to assist with pregnancy-related tasks such as understanding the requirements for monitoring the foetus's health, nutrition, weight, growth, and movement, and finding suitable and affordable birthplaces. The majority of them have used a variety of technologies for day-to-day communication, particularly cell phones, the Internet, social media, and social networking sites such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Because of the difficulties associated with pregnancy, many pregnant women have stated that using any type of library to meet their health information needs plays no significant role. The most significant barriers encountered by Egyptian pregnant women in this study were a lack of time, a lack of money, and a lack of knowledge about appropriate sources of information.

Egyptian HCPs’ awareness, attitudes and practice to SHS exposure among pregnant women and children

Abstract Background and aims Around half of Egyptian pregnant non-smoking women and children are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS), which cause serious morbidities. Health care professionals (HCPs) are well placed to help reduce SHS exposure by encouraging avoiding SHS. This study aimed to explore risk-awareness, attitudes and practice of HCPs in relation to SHS exposure among pregnant women and children in Egypt. Methods Cross-sectional survey of HCPs working in public maternal and child health clinics in Assiut city, Egypt. The survey included questions on risk-awareness, attitudes and counselling practice. Descriptive and regression analysis was performed to explore factors associated with high risk-awareness, supportive attitudes, and good counselling practice. Results 367 HCPs participated in the survey with the majority being nurses (45%) and gynaecologists/obstetricians (21%). 12.5% of HCPs were smokers, and considerable proportion of HCPs reported being exposed to SHS at workplace (70.3%) and at home (51.7%). Just over half of all HCPs (55.9%) had high SHS risk awareness. Speciality, serving urban communities, and home SHS exposure were significantly associated with high-risk awareness. 52.9% of HCPs had supportive attitude towards preventing SHS exposure. Being female, serving rural communities, home SHS exposure were significantly associated with supportive attitudes. Only 51.8% of HCPs reported good counselling practice, which was explaining SHS hazards and advising to avoid it. Being female, serving rural communities, not exposed to SHS at home, and previous training on smoking cessation service were significantly associated with good counselling practice. Conclusions HCPs' awareness, attitudes and practice regarding the risks of SHS to pregnant women and children in Egypt are at low levels. Training is required for HCPs to improve their knowledge and skills and be able to help pregnant women and children to avoid SHS exposure and reduce consequent health burden. Key messages HCPs’ awareness and practice regarding risks of SHS to pregnant women/children in Egypt are inadequate. HCPs’ training is essential to help pregnant women/children to avoid SHS and reduce health burden.

Assessment of Mother-to-Child transmission of Hepatitis C Virus in Egyptian Pregnant Women

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) has an ambitious plan to eliminate HCV by 2030. This new approach was fueled by increased appreciation of the global morbidity and mortality caused by hepatitis C, and the remarkable recent treatment developments. Objectives To assess the mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus in Egyptian pregnant women to inform on screening policies and strategy development. To measure prevelance of hepatitis C virus infection in pregnant women Methods The current study was conducted to six thousand and seven hundred and thirty four (6734) women delivered in El Demerdash Maternity Hospital in the period from January 2018 till June 2018. Collection of detailed data from Patients files and divided them into non screened and screened by antibodies and who do PCR for HCV and data of their neonatal outcome Results Comparison according to HCV PCR regarding labor characteristics show that cases with positive HCV PCR significantly had more frequent CS. Logistic regression for risk factors for HCV PCR among the studied cases show that only Previous hospitalization and previous transfusion were significant risk factors for positive HCV PCR. Conclusion Previous hospitalization and previous transfusion were significant risk factors for positive HCV PCR. Pregnants with positive HCV PCR significantly had more lower hemoglobin than non-infected pregnant one and previous abortion and hospitalization may play a role in that.

Assessment of fetal growth and anomalies in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: an Egyptian pilot study

BackgroundMany issues need to be studied regarding pregnant women during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess fetal growth, fetal well-being, and any observed gross anomalies that may follow SARS-CoV-2 infection in Egyptian pregnant women. During fetal anomaly scan at 22 weeks, we compared 30 pregnant women with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection at 6‑12 weeks of gestation (group A) with 60 pregnant women (group B) who had no history of SARS-CoV-2. Then, we followed them on 28 and 34 weeks of gestation with fetal biometry and Doppler study.ResultsOur results revealed no significant difference between both groups regarding fetal biometry, estimated fetal weight, amniotic fluid index, Doppler scan, and gross anomaly scan throughout all visits.ConclusionAccording to the results of our pilot study, SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy was not found to increase the risk of fetal growth restriction or possible fetal gross anomalies. Nevertheless, larger-scale studies are needed to confirm those findings. Perhaps, post-SARS-CoV-2 infection pregnancies may run an uncomplicated course regarding fetal parameters.

Violence and depression among pregnant women in Egypt

BackgroundDepression is a serious mental health disorder that might affect women in the childbearing period. Incidences increase during pregnancy as well as after delivery. Its association with intimate partner violence (defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner) has been reported in many countries. Data about this sensitive issue are lacking in Egypt. The aim of the study was to determine the relation between intimate partner violence and depression during pregnancy.MethodsThis was a case control study conducted at the outpatient clinics in Suez Canal University hospital, from January 2019 to March 2020. The study included two groups, the study group included women exposed to violence during the current pregnancy and a control one included women with no history of violence. Both groups were recruited according to the predetermined inclusion criteria (women aged 18-45 years, continuous marital relationship, no history of depression in current or previous pregnancies, and singleton pregnancy). Women were asked to complete the Arabic validated NorVold Domestic Abuse Questionnaire (measuring four types of abuse: emotional, physical, sexual, and violence in the health care system, the last one being excluded). Depression was evaluated using the Arabic validated form of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (comprises 10 questions that represent patients’ feelings in the last 7 days). The main outcome measure was to assess the association between intimate partner violence and depression.ResultsWe recruited 158 women in each group. Both groups were matched in their demographic characters. Although emotional violence was reported prominently among women exposed to IPV 87.9% (139/158), it was not significantly reported in depressed women (P value 0.084). Physical and sexual violence were significantly reported among depressed women (P value 0.022 and 0.001, respectively). There was a significant difference between women exposed to violence and those who were not exposed to violence in the total depression scores (13.63 ± 5.47 and 10.65 ± 5.44, respectively with a p value < 0.001). Emotional (p value < 0.001) and sexual violence (mild and severe with p value of 0.026 and 0.002 respectively) had significant roles as risk factors for depression during pregnancy in single regression and after control of other confounders.ConclusionThere was a strong association between intimate partner violence and depression during pregnancy.